Ryugaeshi Falls
Nagano, Japan • INR 434 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Aug, Oct
18°C – 29°C, hot and humid with occasional showers, high crowds, peak season
18°C – 29°C, hot and humid with occasional showers, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Forest trail, uneven terrain, 10-15 min walk from parking area.
Forest trail, uneven terrain, 10-15 min walk from parking area.
Value for money
High
Free access to a beautiful, peaceful natural experience.
Free access to a beautiful, peaceful natural experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the serene setting and peaceful forest walk. Perfect for quality time.
Hidden Gem
Visitors found Ryugaeshi Falls to be a tranquil escape, away from the crowds.
Beautiful Scenery
The waterfall and surrounding nature provided a stunning backdrop for photos.
Limited Parking
Some couples found parking near the trailhead to be a bit challenging.
Seasonal Concerns
Winter access could be difficult for some, with icy trails. Plan accordingly.
Longer Hike
The walk from the parking area might be longer than expected for some visitors.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
-4-5°C
Cold, with possible snow and icy conditions. Limited daylight and winter weather make hiking challenging.
Cold, with possible snow and icy conditions. Limited daylight and winter weather make hiking challenging.
Open
No seasonal restrictions; open every day. No parking at the site, but paid parking is available nearby. Public transport requires a bus and a 15-minute walk. Trails may be slippery or icy.
No seasonal restrictions; open every day. No parking at the site, but paid parking is available nearby. Public transport requires a bus and a 15-minute walk. Trails may be slippery or icy.
Not recommended
December is not recommended except for experienced winter hikers. The area is accessible, but winter conditions can make trails hazardous.
December is not recommended except for experienced winter hikers. The area is accessible, but winter conditions can make trails hazardous.
January
LOW
-7-2°C
Cold winter weather with occasional snowfall; trails may be icy or snow-covered.
Cold winter weather with occasional snowfall; trails may be icy or snow-covered.
Open
Trails can be slippery and difficult to access due to snow and ice; public transport may have reduced frequency.
Trails can be slippery and difficult to access due to snow and ice; public transport may have reduced frequency.
Not recommended
Visiting Ryugaeshi Falls in January is not recommended unless well-prepared for winter hiking. The scenery is quiet but access can be difficult.
Visiting Ryugaeshi Falls in January is not recommended unless well-prepared for winter hiking. The scenery is quiet but access can be difficult.
February
LOW
-6-4°C
Continued cold conditions with snow and possible icy patches on trails.
Continued cold conditions with snow and possible icy patches on trails.
Open
Hiking may be challenging; check local conditions. Transport schedules may be limited.
Hiking may be challenging; check local conditions. Transport schedules may be limited.
Not recommended
February remains off-peak for Ryugaeshi Falls. Suitable only for experienced winter hikers.
February remains off-peak for Ryugaeshi Falls. Suitable only for experienced winter hikers.
March
LOW
-2-9°C
Temperatures begin to rise, snow starts melting; some muddy or wet trail conditions.
Temperatures begin to rise, snow starts melting; some muddy or wet trail conditions.
Open
Possible muddy trails due to melting snow; check for accessibility before visiting.
Possible muddy trails due to melting snow; check for accessibility before visiting.
Recommended
March offers early spring scenery and increased accessibility, though trails may be wet.
March offers early spring scenery and increased accessibility, though trails may be wet.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
From Karuizawa Station, take the Kusakaru Kotsu bus towards Kusatsu Onsen and alight at the Kose Onsen bus stop.
Train
Recommended
Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station.
Walking
Recommended
A 10-15 minute walk from the parking lot or Kose Onsen bus stop along the Shinanoji Nature Trail.
Car
Drive via the Shiraito Highland Way toll road and park near the Ancient Hotel.
Taxi
Taxis are available from Karuizawa Station to the trailhead.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required